As a matter of review, the future of the fairgrounds was in doubt when former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger sought to put it on the market. Gov. Brown has backed off that.

“The fact that they didn’t get rid of the commission is good for us,” Harper said. “It’s what we wanted.”

Harper said the bill maintains the racing lease commission that consists of three members of Gov. Brown’s cabinet and three members of the 22nd District Agricultural Association. Harper said the commission gives the DMTC a layer of management to work with and get things done.

Harper said the plan to replace the turf course after the 2013 season is in place. The grass is being grown in the East County, where, as Harper said, “the sun shines all day.” The turf course will be ripped up after the 2013 season and replaced for the 2014 season.

“It’s a hybrid Bermuda that will take water better than this one,” Harper said.

The turf course will be expanded inward and allow 14 horses in turf race.

Harper said the plan remains to try and woo the Breeders’ Cup to Del Mar in 2015.

“We’re in discussions, and I think 2015 is the time where we’d be in the best position to host it,” Harper said. “The turf course will be ready in 2014, and any time after that, really.”

One thing Harper doesn’t see is the prospect of an expanded meeting at Del Mar next summer. He expects Betfair Hollywood Park to continue racing at least through 2103. The California Horse Racing Board wants a longer commitment out of Hollywood Park’s owners, but that likely isn’t going to happen. There is a plan to develop the property that Hollywood Park is on, but officials say financing remains an issue.

“Even if the money market opened up, it would take months before they turn a shovel there,” Harper said. “I really would be surprised if they didn’t race through 2103 at Hollywood Park.”

But Harper said Southern California racing needs to be prepared for the worst.

“The industry needs a plan and needs to be ready to move if anything happens to Hollywood Park,” Harper said. “If they can’t commit to racing, then the industry had to figure out a way to replace it. It needs to spend money and make it happen, whether it’s Pomona, San Luis Rey Downs (for training) or Los Alamitos. The racing board has a decision to make as to what it wants to do.”